Keyloggers, remove keylogger, keyloggers catalog

What is a keylogger?

Keylogger is a type of surveillance software (considered to be either software or spyware) that has the capability to record every keystroke you make to a log file (usually encrypted). A keylogger recorder can record instant messages, e-mail, and any information you type at any time using your keyboard. The log file created by the keylogger can then be sent to a specified receiver. Some keylogger programs will also record any e-mail addresses you use and Web site URLs you visit.
Keyloggers, as a surveillance tool, are often used by employers to ensure employees use work computers for business purposes only. Unfortunately, keyloggers can also be embedded in spyware allowing your information to be transmitted to an unknown third party.

Keylogger programs can be hidden in software and silently monitor the keystrokes users type on their keyboards. This info is then transmitted to the scammer, giving access to user names, passwords, PIN numbers and other confidential information.

Keylogger programs have gotten a LOT more sophisticated -- and a lot more common -- recently. These programs are hidden in other programs, and rely on infection (like viruses) rather than deception (like phishing). Keylogger programs are generally very selective. They wait for certain websites to be visited (such as banking sites, PayPal or credit card sites), or they wait for certain keywords (like SSN) to be entered in order to become active. This means that the keylogger program only transmits a small amount of data back to the scammers, perhaps making it more difficult to detect.

Prevention from keyloggers

There is no easy way to prevent keylogging. The best strategy is to use common sense and a combination of several methods, including observing the programs which are installed, being aware of devices connected to PS/2 and USB ports, and enabling firewalls and anti-spyware. Responsible vendors of monitoring software [1] support detection by anti-spyware programs, thus preventing abuse of the software.

It is sometimes said that an on-screen keyboard is a way to combat these, as it only requires clicks of the mouse. However, this is not true, because a keyboard event message must be sent to the external target program to type text. Every software keylogger can log the text typed with an on-screen keyboard, and additionally, some programs also record or take snapshots of what is displayed on the screen.

The web-based on-screen keyboard may provide some degree of protection. At least some commercial keylogging programs do not record typing on the web-based virtual keyboard. However, the keylogging software can take screenshots.

In addition, using automatic form-filling programs helps prevent keylogging by not using the keyboard at all. However, it is believed that future software with secure I/O will be protected from keyloggers.

Ways of infecting

Keyloggers can be surreptitiously installed in a myriad of ways, from spyware drive-by Web downloads, hidden within peer-to-peer applications or downloads, inside Trojan horses and other viruses, files shared through IM, email, and more. Most of the time keyloggers are installed without the user's knowledge, and it is believed that no current anti-virus technology will identify 100% of current keylogger threats.

How to find realy good antispyware?

There are several easy ways to differentiate between legitimate programs and rogue applications:
Trustworthy anti-spyware programs do not advertise in pop-up ads or on questionable Web sites, such as gambling or pornographic sites.

Any security application which appears on your machine that you did not knowingly download or install is questionable, and is likely an illegitimate program.

The scan results should tip you off as well – inspect these carefully. Rogue anti-spyware programs will report legitimate files and processes as spyware to scare you into thinking that you have several spies on your PC.

• PC Pandora